America: Facts vs. Fiction Season 2 Episode 12 Engineering the Impossible

In the twelfth episode of season 2 of America: Facts vs. Fiction, titled "Engineering the Impossible," the show explores some of the biggest engineering feats in American history and separates fact from fiction. Host Jamie Kaler takes viewers on a journey through time, from the construction of the Erie Canal to the building of the Golden Gate Bridge, to explore the engineering behind these incredible projects.

The episode begins by examining the construction of the Erie Canal, a 363-mile-long waterway that allowed goods to be transported from the Great Lakes to the Hudson River and eventually to New York City. The project was considered impossible by many at the time, as it required moving an immense amount of earth and creating a system of locks to raise and lower boats along the canal. However, engineers were able to overcome these challenges through innovation and hard work, and the canal proved to be a major success, revolutionizing transportation in America.

Next, the show turns its attention to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, which spans the entrance to San Francisco Bay and was completed in 1937. The bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time, and its construction presented numerous challenges, including strong ocean winds and frequent fog. Despite these obstacles, the bridge was completed on schedule and within budget, and became a symbol of American engineering ingenuity and success.

The episode also explores the Panama Canal, a massive engineering feat that involved building a waterway across the isthmus of Panama to connect the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The canal allowed ships to avoid the long and treacherous journey around the tip of South America, and revolutionized global trade. The construction of the canal was plagued by disease, which killed thousands of workers, and engineering challenges, including the need to carve a path through the dense jungle of Panama. But despite these obstacles, American engineers and workers were able to complete the project in just ten years, and its impact on global commerce cannot be understated.

Throughout the episode, Kaler separates fact from fiction when it comes to these engineering marvels. For example, he notes that while many myths exist about the construction of the Erie Canal, including the idea that it was built entirely by Irish immigrants, the reality is much more complex and interesting. Similarly, he notes that while some people believe that the Golden Gate Bridge was painted orange because it was the only color available, the truth is that the bridge's color was carefully chosen to complement the natural surroundings and also be visible in the frequent fog.

Overall, "Engineering the Impossible" is a fascinating look at some of the greatest engineering feats in American history, and how they were able to be accomplished through innovation, hard work, and perseverance. The episode serves as a reminder of what American engineers and workers are capable of when they put their minds to a task, and how their efforts can change the world for the better.